Promotion maestro Warnock faces up to his hardest ever job

NEIL Warnock says he is preparing for the most difficult task in his career.

The former Sheffield United manager is trying to sign transfer targets that will get Leeds United promoted to the Premier League.

Leeds have flattered to deceive since relegation in 2004, but some observers believe promotion specialist Warnock, who hopes to considerably strengthen his squad during the close season, could be the man to end their nine-year exile.

“It’s going to be my hardest job in all my career really,” said Warnock.

“Scarborough rings a bell because I only had two players signed - Neil Thompson (current Sheffield Wednesday coach) and Neil Sellars - when I took over and I ended up signing 17.

“But we proved then it can be done, we won the league.

“But you need to be very lucky.

“The thing about Leeds United is players want to play for you because it’s a fantastic atmosphere and doesn’t need selling with the crowds we get.

“That’s what I’m putting forward to the players I’m trying to sign - come and be a part of an exciting time and you’ll go down in history if you do well for me and I’m sure they will.”

Warnock, who completed his first signing with the recent arrival of defender Jason Pearce from Portsmouth, added: “I’m down the line with another three or four at the minute.

“I’m not saying they’ll all sign.

“But if I’ve got in my mind that I’ve got another two or three before the end of May when I go away I’ll be delighted.”